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Ch. 20 - Dark Invitation, Taking Flight a Fighters Dream

Disclaimer - All Final Fantasy Characters and locations are the exclusive property of Square-Enix. Everything else is me and my friends.

Wyvern Cliffs, Centra

It was raining, had been for days. It mattered little to Drake. He liked the rain, it added an extra element of excitement to his training. It also gave a wonderful back drop for the night time when he wasn't training. He had grown steadily closer to Emmy over the last month. He wasn't complaining, it made the training more bearable.

Which is what he was doing now, training. Drake watched Gregory's spear went sailing over his head, as if in slow motion, as Drake threw himself to the ground and twisting to land on his back. He watched Gregory's spear tip cut a neat line through the rain that was falling through the giant hole in the roof.

As soon as Drake's bare back hit the cold wet ground, he curled his legs up and nipped back to his feet, as Gregory's spear went whistling underneath him. Drake felt his hair hit his back with a wet slap as he landed on his feet and then quickly rolled forward. Coming up to a knee, he spun around to face his brother, spear at the ready. Gregory was at the other end of the training area, breathing heavy, his spear also at the ready.

They charged each other at exactly the same time. There was a loud crash of steel as they met in the middle and started going at each other again. Water flew from their spear tips as they went sailing through the air in intricate whirls and spins. Thrusts were accented by sprays of water being flung at high speeds. Booted feet lashed out at exposed body parts, kicking up more water in the process. Gregory whipped out his tail snaking it around Drakes ankle and pulling his feet out from under him. Drake went crashing to the ground.

Taking advantage of the small opening, Gregory gave a small hop bringing his hands to the end of his spear so it extended the full length of his body in flight. Gregory arched his body in his short mid-flight, and used every muscle in it to bring his spear crashing down on the prone Drake.

Drake however had other ideas and whirled his legs around creating enough momentum so he could propel himself up onto his hands with his feet kicking up into the air. Drake's inverted drop kick caught Gregory under the chin and sent him flying backwards.

Once again they stood facing each other bodies coiled to strike. A loud clanging caught their attention though, causing both to drop their guard and call it a day. Bowing to each other they started towards the mouth of the training area. As they left they were greeted by Emmy who was looking at them in disgust. Though her eyes did stay on Drakes body noticeably longer.

"You guys are so not going to the dinner table looking like that."

Drake and Gregory looked at each other finally taking in how each other looked. They were dirty, sweaty, and smelled horrid. It made all three of them laugh uncontrollably.

"All right you two, go wash up and get to the dining room."

Emmy swatted Drake on the ass as he walked by causing him to jump in surprise. She had to admit it was quite a sight watching the two dragon men walk away. All the extra training Drake had been doing lately had dropped his body fat to about zero percent. She watched as every little movement he made as he walked away from her caused a wave of rippling muscles to crawl along his back. As she continued to eye him hungrily a sudden thought crossed her dirty mind.

"I think Drake might need help washing his back. Yummy."

Emmy Leonhart pranced after Drake to offer help with his shower.

Some place dark and dream like

"Z" made her way down the stone path that lead to the trial circle her new-found dream friend was trapped in. She had lost count of the number of times she had walked down this path in the last few weeks, however he had tried to kill her at least a dozen times. "Z" had gathered that he was in the middle of kind of magical trial, but for what reason she didn't know.

Tonight was no different. As she approached the circle he immediately became aware of her and brought his great sword to bare on her. And like any other night she slowly made her way around the circle so that he could plainly see her. She watched as his eyes never left her, they never did. He was always watching her to see if he could ever catch her contradicting her claims to be a real person.

"You return yet again witch."

"Z" didn't let his comment bother her she had heard it all too often these last few weeks. Instead she just held her arms out at the side and entered the circle.

"So I am a witch again?"

"Are you?"

"No Ky, I am not a witch, or a ghost, or a Zombie, or any other evil manifestation you could think of. I am a warrior much like your self."

"Z" stood there matching glares with the warrior in the circle. It had become a nightly contest of wills between the two of them. Some nights he would strike out at her and end the dream prematurely. Other nights they would talk for hours, at times it even appeared to her that he actually enjoyed her company. All she had really learned from him though was that she was in the very distant past, and that his name was Kyoto.

"I'm stepping in to the circle now Ky."

"Why do you insist on not calling me by my full name woman?"

"Why do you insist on calling me woman. I've told you enough times now that my name is Zella, and that you may call me "Z" like all of my other friends do."

"Z" watched as Kyoto heaved a deep sigh and lowered his great sword "Faust" so the tip was pointed at the ground. "Z" walked in to the circle of candles and presented him with a basket meal she had made for them.

"I brought some food tonight."

"Great, I'm starving."

"Z" watched has Kyoto stabbed the tip of the great sword into the ground as far as he could. It wasn't very far in, maybe a half a foot or so, but enough to allow him to lean up against it and then slide to the ground. Never once did his body stop touching the sword. Apparently part of the trial was that he had to keep in constant contact with the sword for Sixty days and Sixty nights. Kyoto wouldn't tell her every thing about what was going on, but enough that she had gotten a brief glimpse of the picture.

Apparently he had agreed to under go what was known as the Faustian Contract. A dark ritual that took one of his bones and used it to make the great sword "Faust". He than had to stand in this circle of arcane candles for Sixty days and nights. The entire time being tempted to break his vigil by all sorts of beast, specters, and seductress. He couldn't explain though why she was there, hence their nightly debate over weather or not she was there to tempt him or not.

"Z" set the basket down and started to unpack it. "Z" would be the first one to admit that she was no cook, but the way that Kyoto eyed the food she was unpacking made her very happy. Together they enjoyed the meal, Kyoto actually managed to out eat her. As they were finishing up "Z" decided to keep talking to him.

"So Ky, how long do you have left of this trial?"

Taking his time to finish the last few bites he started to count off in his head how much time he had left.

"I think I have about 20 days left."

"Yeah and what do you think you'll do after?"

"I uh really don't know. I haven't really thought about it."

"Z" watched the young man mull it over for a while. She had to admit he looked rather cute in his state of lost pondering. "Z" found her self not for the first time getting lost in thought her self. But her thoughts were of how Kyoto would look cleaned up and in a fresh pair of clothes. Of course she than she would start to imagine what he would look like cleaned up and completely nude.

"You're getting red in the face "Z". What are you thinking about when you turn red like that?"

"I uh... Nothing!" "Z" stammered getting more embarrassed.

Kyoto just gave her a funny look.

"What?"

"You're fading "Z"."

"I'm sitting right in front of you, How could I be fading. It's not like we're on cell phones."

Kyoto gave her another funny look.

"What's a cell phone?"

"Well it's a little device that allows people to communicate..."

"No "Z" you are miss understanding me. You are fading out."

"Z" looked down at her self. She was indeed fading in and out.

"I must be waking up. Well at least you didn't attack me again tonight."

'You should really get a hair cut while you're awake."

"Z" was taken aback. "My hair, what's wrong with it?"

"Its uneven, you should get it cut."

Before she could respond "Z" faded from Kyoto's little circle. "Z" woke with a start in her own bed at her families cottage. Shaking her head to clear the last vestiges of sleep "Z" started to get up. Looking at her night stand she saw that her cell phone was flashing one missed call. "Z" looked at the phone for a full moment before she realized that is what must have woken her up.

"Z" got out of bed and listened to her missed voice mail. As she did so she opened up her curtains to her bedroom window to better let in the morning breeze. She had to admit that the breeze felt great as it blew over her athletic legs that were sticking out of the bottom of her night-shirt.

With a smile "Z" snapped her phone shut. The message had been from Mr. Masters. Apparently he had some information about the Faustian Contract he wanted to go over with her. He would be at the Winhill Garden at noon. Making her way into the bathroom to get washed up for her day "Z" stopped in front of the mirror to look at her self. Her hair looked fine to her. But than again she had been wearing her hair the same way for the better part of a decade, maybe it was time for a change. With a nod she her mind was made up. It was time that the punk princes redefined her self. With that "Z" turned on the shower and got in.

Wyvern Cliffs, Lady Scarlet's personal chambers

Drake stood in silence next to Leslie, and Gregory in their mother's chamber. The Lady Scarlet had summoned them all there, and now they were waiting to find out why. Apparently while the three of them had been on their way to the chamber, the Lady Scarlet had slipped into one of her many naps. So together they waited patiently and silently. Leslie and Gregory had maintained their Dragoon form since all three of the Dragons could not fit in to the chamber in their dragon forms, and the Lady Scarlet no longer had the strength to transform. With a snort the Lady Scarlet woke up, and her children took to a knee, heads bowed in reverence.

"Ah my children, you have come." Scarlet said in a labored voice.

"We came as quickly as we could honored mother." All three responded in unison.

The Lady Scarlet chuckled softly to her self.

"Oh my children, loyal to tradition to a fault. But alas we must dispense with formality for a moment or we won't get any where."

None of them moved a muscle.

"I am dying, that is no big secret."

Again none of them said any thing, deep down they knew their mothers end was near. They also knew now why they were here.

"Arise, Gregory."

Gregory got to his feet, and stood at attention, his head held high, his shoulders squared, his chest puffed out, his jaw jutting. An impressive sight, it would have made any jaded drill instructor in any army weep in pride. Gregory did not move as he waited for his mother to make her last decree to him.

"Gregory you are my first-born, strong and loyal. A pillar for your people, an icon for your soldiers, the unshakeable representation of our nations pride and strength. To you my last wish is that you continue to lead our people in that capacity. Lead our armies, be the general that they deserve in the coming crises. Continue to serve the throne, and be loyal to who ever sits upon it."

The Lady Scarlet took a moment to catch her breath before she continued.

"You may not be the king of these lands, but your authority over the army is absolute. No one shall ever have the right to question your authority on the battle field or on the street. You are to also form a formal police squad. Make sure they are as fair and just as you are."

Gregory bowed deeply.

"As you wish mother, so shall it be done."

With that Gregory took a knee again next to his siblings.

"Arise, Leslie."

Leslie got to her feet in such a manner that it looked like she had floated up from the floor. The layers of her dress, and her slipper covered feet made no noise as she took a few steps towards her mother. As she stood before her mother she held her self with such a regal posture that it conveyed both beauty and sophistication at the same time. One could have balanced a stack of ice cubes on her head and they would not have moved or melted.

"Leslie you are my second born, as intelligent as you are beautiful. In the months that I have been sick you have looked over the kingdom and ruled it in my stead exactly as I would have done. It is now time to see how you will rule as the full-fledged Queen of the Wyvern Cliffs. And a good rule it shall be. You have never let your youth get in the way of your wisdom. And you have shown your self capable of making difficult decisions. Never once have you let your beauty turn in to vanity. Nor have you let the nobles or other governments push you around. Continue on this path and you will be an even better queen than my self."

Leslie curtsied deeply.

"As you wish, mother."

Slowly she turned and glided back to her brothers. The Lady Scarlet gave a few wheezing coughs before she spoke again.

"Arise, Drake."

Drake got to his feet and stepped in front of his mother. His posture wasn't as statue esc as Gregory's nor as regal as Leslie. But still he stood straight and proud in front of the only mother he had ever known.

"Drake you are my youngest child. I may not have birthed your egg, and I may not have hatched you as I did for both of your brother and sister. But I raised you as one of my own. That is a joy that I will carry with me to the great spirits. Your mother and father would have been proud of the man you have become, and are still developing into. Admittinglyit is a pride and joy that I will greedily covet. I may not have birthed you but you are my son. I leave not to you the Kingdom or it protection. Instead I leave to you its greatest secrets."

The Lady Scarlet stopped there to take a raged breath. Drake swallowed hard as his mother started to speak again, while Gregory looked to Leslie for clarification. Leslie could only shrug.

"To you I leave the key to the seal of the Dragon trials."

All three gasped out loud.

"In there you will face three of the five Dragon Gods. Fafnir the Dragon of Greed. Seiryu the Dragon of protection. And Vrtra the dragon of Strength. You will face their trials and if you are found worthy they will bind themselves to you. After you get all five of the Dragon Gods you will be able to do the lost Dragoon art of Spirit Surge in which you will combined your strengths with those of the summoned dragon."

Drake waited a few seconds before he spoke.

"Forgive me mother, but you said there are five dragons. Who are the other two and where do I find them?"

"There is nothing to forgive Drake. It is a very informed question. The fourth Dragon was Tiamat the Fallen. He used to be the dragon of life till he turned his back on the world. Now he is nothing but a puppet to the dark. The fifth and final dragon you already have, and that would be the Dragon King Bahamut."

Drake was filled with more questions, but decided to keep them to himself. A servant came forward and presented Drake with an ornate key that was older than the original sin. Drake graciously accepted the key and hung it around his neck. Before he could get to his feet the Lady Scarlet spoke again.

"Time is of the essence Drake. You have less than five months to complete the trials and get used to your new abilities before the war reaches its crescendo. You will be required to release your existing Avatars, your mind and body will not be able to bare the strain of having both the Avatars and the Dragon gods in you. Leslie will help you do that immediately. When you are ready head to the deepest depths of the castle there you will find the Seal."

Satisfied that the Lady Scarlet was done Drake stepped back into line and remained standing, Gregory and Leslie both got to their feet as well. The Lady Scarlet looked on her children with every ounce of her pride showing.

"You are my wonderful, and beautiful children. I could not have done a better job raising you even if I were to do it all over again. You are also my gift to the world. Love each other, support each other, and never forget that it is you that I am most proud of in this world or the next."

With that the Lady Scarlet's head sunk to the ground. For the briefest of seconds her children thought she was dead. But soon she started breathing deeply and evenly as she laid there napping. Together Gregory, Leslie, and Drake left the chamber to allow their mother to nap. Each ones mind was heavy with the charges that their mother had given them.

"Come on Drake, let's get Emmy and start purifying your body so that we can release your Avatars." Leslie said feeding her arm through Drakes.

Back in the Lady Scarlet's chamber a large figure emerged from a side chamber and stood before the ancient Dragon, like wise waiting for her to reawaken. He didn't have to wait long before she stirred in his direction. Like her children before, this figure instantly fell to a knee and bowed his head in reverence.

"Rise Beast Master, and for the love of Odin dispense with the formalities."

Terrin got back to his massive feet as she had ordered him, but he was still none the less in awe of the dragon before him.

"I wish Lady Scarlet that we could have met long before this. I would have loved to have seen you at the peak of your majesty."

"It was quite the sight to behold Terrin, but that is not why you are here."

"Why am I here than my Lady?"

With out bidding a several servants appeared each with a large covered cart. The first handed Terrin a long wooden box. Opening the box Terrin with drew a vicious looking spear, that had seen better days.

"I am to understand that you are a prodigy when it comes to Blacksmithing, and that you have concocted a new alloy to use in your friends weapons and armor. Is this true?"

Terrin put the spear back in its case and gently set it up against one of the covered carts.

"I don't know about being a prodigy, but I am working on a new metal, yes."

"This is what I would like for you to do for me than. I want you to re forge that spear for Drake. It was his fathers, and it served him well until the day he died."

Terrin thought it over for a second. That shouldn't be a problem. "I should have enough metal for that."

"I also want you to have your synth-mage make some of the metal into materials necessary to remake Drake armor as well."

"I don't know if I'll have enough metal for that though." Terrin said sadly.

With that the servants removed the covers from the carts. The first one was filled to over flowing with as many rare metal ore as he could name, and a few he couldn't. The second was just as full of ruby-red scales. Their absolute brilliance caused Terrin to gape and turn his head.

"I want you to add these scales of mine, harvested fresh from my body when I was still young and strong, to the mixture when you get to Drakes spear and armor. They will undoubtedly aid him greatly."

Terrin could not find his voice for several minutes.

"I will do as you command, my Lady."

With a gesture the carts were recovered and hauled away.

"And what do you require as payment, Terrin."

With out hesitation Terrin replied.

"Nothing, my Lady, the work is its own reward."

The Lady Scarlet looked on Terrin. "I believe you Beast Master, but surely there is something I can do for you in exchange."

This time Terrin did hesitate.

"What is it Terrin."

"May I lay my hand upon you, so as that I may have the pleasure of touching one the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen?"

The Lady Scarlet smiled and nodded her head. Cautiously Terrin approached and gently laid a hand upon Scarlet's snout. Lovingly he ran his hand the length of it and over one of her eye ridges.

"Amazing, this is truly amazing." Terrin exclaimed in a near whisper.

"What I would have given to have had this honor when you were in your prime. I am envious of all that got to see that, to experience it."

Terrin ran his hand back down her snout and patted a nostril lovingly. He backed away and bowed deeply.

"Thank you my Lady, I will cherish that forever."

The Lady Scarlet smiled sweetly at him one more time.

"I have one last favor to ask of you Beast Master."

"Anything."

"Play for me."

Terrin was shocked, this he had never expected.

"My Lady my skills with the flute are no where near good enough for your ears."

"I'll be the judge of that Terrin, please play for me."

Terrin could not deny her. So he pulled his roughly carved beast flute, sat on the ground of the cave, and started to play for the Lady Scarlet. He put his heart into every note so as that she might enjoy it. It wasn't long before she was once again asleep. Terrin took that opportunity to excuse himself.

She didn't have long to rest before another figure entered her chamber. This one she had not expected, but had hoped would show up.

"Finally after nearly three thousand years you come to my bed chambers, Lord Odin."

Eric Masters walked up to the Lady Scarlet and rested his hand upon her snout as well. However his touch was just as filled with regret as it was with love. He stood there lovingly rubbing her snout for a long time before he spoke.

"I am sorry Scarlet that I have never properly thanked you, or rewarded you in the way you wanted for all the millennia of faithful service you have given me."

"The honor was all mine, my Lord. The service was its own reward."

"Not nearly enough though. You have loved me unconditionally your whole life, and I have never returned it. I am going to rectify that though."

Scarlet closed her eyes and chuckled softly.

"I think I am too old for a romp in the caves with a God such as your self. But thanks for the offer."

"I have one last task for you Scarlet, if you'll except."

The sincerity in his voice caused Scarlet to lift her head off the ground and look the thunder God in the face. The depths of love she found in his gaze took her breath away and brought a tear to her ancient eyes.

"Yes lord Odin, I will always do what ever you ask of me."

"I know you will, Scarlet. And for that I will always love you."

Eric transformed into his God form and knelt before the dying dragon. Gently he lifted her up into his arms and embraced her.

"Rest for now my friend, and I will tell you what it is your to do for me."

Scarlet could only nod as she once again fell asleep.

Winhill Garden, Winhill

A massive bolt of lightning struck the center of Winhill Gardens quad and rolled over it with more force than was natural. It caused all the students to flee, all but one. Calmly and collectively, as if he did this all the time, Eric Masters walked out of the light show and calmly strode up to the one Student that hadn't left.

"Hello Zella, sorry I'm late." Eric said coming to such an abrupt stop that the tails of his trench coat kept moving forward.

She had been looking out over one of the many valleys of flowers that was in Winhill. She was bent over, resting her arms on the rail, her athletic butt sticking out behind her.

"That's fine Mr. Masters, I just got here my self." "Z" replied, turning to face her former teacher.

"I see you cut your hair and got some new armor."

"Z" ran a hand through her now evened out spiky blond hair. Her bangs were still a little long and her tips were died pink. But she had evened it out. She than drew a hand down her new onesies styled armor. It had taken the tailor a bit to get her design right. For it had no sleeves allowing her free rang of movement with her arms. Molded soft leather on top of a Mithril weave, and a bright red hood, that if need be could cover her lower face in case of emergencies. This was worn over a protective supper metal Fishnet shirt. She opted to keep her Mixed Martial Arts fighting pants, and shoes. Both of which were now like wise reinforced. Across the hem of her pants was her traditional red tribal flames.

"Yeah it was time for a change. So what did you find for me?"

Eric reached into his trench coat and produced a scroll. Handing it to "Z" he watched as she read it. He watched as she went through the things she already know, rolling her eyes and nodding her head. When she got to what she didn't know her eyes got wider and her expression serious.

"The ritual that was known as the Faustian Contract was outlawed thousands of years ago because less than one percent of the people who under went the contract could pas the trial. And all of those that passed died violent deaths at a very young age."

"Z" got to the end of the scroll and handed it back.

"It still doesn't tell me exactly what it does though. What is the point?"

"The sword that is created from the sacrificed bone and life force allows the user to channel Arcane magic through their body and then the sword."

"Z" gave Eric a funny look over the rim of the scroll.

"So they are a "Spell Blade" that specializes in Arcane magic."

"Not entirely. Unlike the Arcane spells that Ava is discovering, The Arcane Knight has a different set of spells that are only effective when used in conjunction with the sword."

"Z" stopped reading the scroll and devoted her entire attention to the Avatar God before her.

"What's worst is that every single Arcane Knight has started their careers as very unimpressive mages. So yes they wield a massive sword, and a unique set of spells to go with it. But they are still weaker than a limp noodle and have a paper defense at best."

"So what was the point. Why would they willingly do something that they knew was so hopeless?"

"It was the last futile attempt at a desperate wish."

"Z" turned back to the rail and instantly got lost in thought.

Eric let her sit there and stew in her own thoughts. He just observed her, trying to think of the reason she would want this information. He watched thoughts and emotions play across her face. It was obvious she wasn't seeking the information for her self. So Eric had to ask.

"Why did you want this information "Z"? I know it's not for you, you have never shown an interest in the mystical arts before. So I have to ask myself why?"

"Z" gave Eric a side ways glance and launched into telling him what was going on. It took the better part of an hour to do so. When she was done Eric was giving her a very indifferent look.

"I must say Zella that is a very incredible story."

"I swear to you..." "Z" started out anxiously.

Eric raised a hand to ward her off.

"I didn't say I disbelieved you Zella, I'm just saying that it sounds incredible."

"I got to save him Mr. Masters."

"Z's" expression was an odd mixture of longing and pleading.

"I'm going home with you tonight Zella." Eric said heaving a deep sigh.

"Why?" "Z" replied with a quizzical look on her face.

"Because when you dream walk tonight, something you shouldn't be able to do by the way, I'm going to go with you."

"Why?" "Z" again replied with the same quizzical look.

"Because it is time I think to save your boy friend."

"Z's" face flushed bright pink in embracement, and she diverted her eyes away.

"He's not my boy friend." "Z" said avoiding Eric's eyes.

"Uh-huh, that's why you're going through so much trouble to save him."

"Z" was going to say more but Eric just gave her a shrug and pointed to the exit of the Quad. "Z" shook her head and started to move to the exit.

The chamber of the Seal, Wyvern Cliffs

Drake stood before a massive circular door. As far as he could tell it was made of several ancient metals, heavy posts, and spells that hadn't been muttered in a millennia or more. And here he was standing before it in nothing but his pants, his jumping boots, and spear. He was not allowed to use any items, healing or other, he was allowed his pants, boots, and weapon.

Drake stood before the door stripped of more than his clothes. He was stripped of his summons now as well. All he had left was Bahamut. He could feel his brother, sister, and lover all watching him as he stood before the seal. They all had their tasks, and this was Drakes. Drake removed the key from around his neck and approached the Seal.

"Good luck Drake. Go forth with strength and honor." Gregory said from where he was standing.

"Please be careful Drake." This from Leslie.

"Go get them hotness!"

Of course Emmy would say the most embarrassing thing. Drake didn't mind though. Again he approached the door and slid the key home. Giving the key a twist a panel to the side of the door revealed its self. In set in the panel were eleven emeralds of the utmost brilliance. They were set in the stone in a peculiar way though.

With a shrug Drake placed his hand on the emeralds so that two were touching each finger and the large one in the center was resting in his palm. Nothing happened. With a sigh and a shrug Drake hung his head to contemplate what he needed to do.

With his hand still on the gems Drake started to tap his fingers as he though. A spark caught his eye, Drake looked at the gems again as he continued to tap his fingers. There is was green sparks emitted from the emeralds each time they were struck.

Thinking he had nothing else to lose Drake flared his dragon powers and watched as the gems sparked to lite. Each one looked like it had a tiny green flame living in side of it. Drake grinned and let his Dragon powers run throughout his entire body, he felt his ethereal wing burst from his back. Drake once again placed his hand on the gems and watched as two rings of glyphs appeared around the gems.

He didn't know why but he felt his hand twist at the wrist and bring the glyphs into alignment. There was a small click and the thing sank into the wall. Drake stood back as several loud clunks as the unseen posts in the door slid out-of-place. Lose bits of dirt and dust fell from the door as it gave a tremendous shudder and started to roll a side. When it was finally done they all stood there looking down an endless tunnel.

"I don't suppose I am allowed a torch at all am I?" Drake asked over his shoulder.

"No the manuscripts are quite clear. No items other than your weapon, your boots, and your pants. Though the boots and pants part are more recent additions to the manuscripts. I guess back when mom was our age the chosen warriors had to do it nude." Leslie replied.

"That's comforting." Drake said hanging his head.

Taking his spear firmly in hand he stepped in to the tunnel. He was not at all surprised when the door rolled back into place after he was inside. He was committed now whether he liked it or not. Amazingly as Drake made his way down the tunnel he found that it wasn't that dark at all. It was hot and humid but not all that dark. There was a kind of light green glow to the place.

Drake pushed forward till he got to a sharp bend in the tunnel. As he approached it cautiously he noticed that not only did it veer off in a different direction it also descended quite steeply. Making his way slowly down the incline Drake came to a brightly torch lit cave. Sitting in the center was a hooded figure of a undeterminable age. To Drake it looked like the person was sleeping.

"Approach young Dragoon."

Drake made his way forward to the sitting figure, taking in everything as he went. There was the basic essentials in the cave, a bed, a chair, and a wash area. When Drake finally got to the hooded figure and stopped a respectful distance away. Drake watched as the hooded figure stood up slowly and stiffly, as if it hadn't moved in a very long time.

"It has been a long time since some one came seeking my knowledge, young Dragoon."

"And who are you exactly?" Drake asked calmly and evenly.

"I was the first Dragoon Knight. I served the Dragons loyal till I died in their service. The Gods and the Dragons were so honored and pleased with my service that I was granted a hollowed position as the guardian of the Dragon trials. My name has long been forgotten by all, including history, you may simply call me Tobias."

Drake bowed at the waist giving Tobias the respect he deserved.

"Honored elder I have been sent here by my dying Queen and mother to take the Dragon trials."

"Of course you have young Dragoon, why else would you be here. What is your name?"

"My name is Drake Gryphonis, Dragoon Knight of the first order, loyal son to Queen Scarlet of the Wyvern Cliffs." Drake exclaimed standing up straight and proud.

"You're a lot skinnier than the last few Dragoon Knights to take the trials, and where are your wings?" Tobias asked examining Drake.

"I lost my wings when I was younger in a child hood accident."

"How do you fly than?"

"I have my ways."

Tobias examined Drake again.

"I suppose you do. I must warn you Drake that once I give upon you the ability of "Spirit Surge" you will be able to bond with any Dragon spirit in your possession. However once I have bestowed this ability upon you, you have no choice but to go forward with the trial. I again warn you though that you face a very real possibility of dying down here. Are you ready?"

Drake swallowed the lump in his throat and silently nodded his head. Tobias smiled and ushered Drake towards the bed. Motioning for Drake to have a seat he started to gather items from the nearby book shelf.

"While I do the ritual for you to obtain the ability of "Spirit Surge" I am going to put you in to a state of sleep. Once you awake you will be ready for the trials. I'll tell you this much, I will not be able to tell you how to activate "Spirit Surge" or what effects it will have on you. It is different for each Dragoon."

Again Drake just nodded his head.

"And one more thing Drake, I'm sorry."

Drake gave him a questioning look, but in a flash the old man in his flowing robes spun around and cracked Drake hard over the head. Drakes world went dark.

Some Where Dark and Dream Like

Kyotododged and parried another blast of magic. He had no idea what was going on, one minute he had been meditating, trying to strengthen his bond with "Faust", the next thing he knew the mages of his order were attacking him.

"What are you guys doing? The trial has not yet ended!"

"For you acolyte it has." Screeched a mage pointing a gnarly finger at him.

The accusing mage cast a thunder spell at him, and he sent it flying off in another direction. He honestly didn't know how much more he could take. He was out numbered 20 to 1 and didn't know if this was another test o get him to leave the circle of candles.

He was tired from defending himself, his body was still not used to wielding such a large weapon. The training of his body was supposed to happen after the "Trial of Faust". Thankfully "Z" had been bringing him food and drink for a while now, other wise he would have died from dehydration and malnourished. Still his odds of survival were slim to none.

Despair was starting to claw its way up his back when a sudden movement caught his eye. Running down the hall towards the chamber was "Z". Fortunately the other mages hadn't noticed her yet. He couldn't help but smile, she had taken his suggestion and cut her hair. She had also changed her clothes. They were still the same colors as before, garish pink on red, but the style had changed. He didn't care, if she was half the warrior she claimed to be the odds had just changed in his favor.

"Z" had instantly felt something was off, magic hung heavy in the air. It was so thick it was almost tangible, and she had no magic abilities so that was saying something. She had torn off down the hall towards the meditation circle at once, leaving Mr. Masters to deal with his "Jet Lag". And she was glad she had too. About twenty mages had formed a semi-circle around Kyoto and were trying to kill him.

"Z" didn't give her self time to think, she just rushed the mage right in front of her and sent his flying in to circle of candles. On instinct Kyoto raised "Faust" and let the mage stumble right on to the swords razor-sharp tip. The possessed blade greedily devoured the mages life energy, and manna.

"Z" didn't think, she just reacted. As the first mage had gone flying to his death she had turned on the next one in line, using his momentary confusion to deliver a palm strike to his face that drove his nose up into his brain.

Before the man was dead "Z" spun around his falling body and dispatched the next one with a crescent kick up alongside her head that left it tilted at an odd angle. On instinct she ducked under the next ones out stretched hand. She felt the heat from the spell as it passed over her, but she was focused on the task at hand. While still crouched "Z" struck out at the mages knee and shattered it.

The mages scream of pain was cut short as "Z" grabbed him by the throat and hurled him into the next one. That mage had barely tossed his dead mentor off of him when "Z" rushed in and punched him so hard in the chest that his heart and lungs stopped, as well as the flesh on his back split from his own spinal column.

By this point the other mages had finally noticed her, and were terrified. They had watched as this odd girl in bright clothes had dispatched five of them in less than five seconds with nothing more than her bare hands and some crazy form of martial arts they had never seen.

Every one looked at every one else not sure what to do. Fifteen mages cowered in the glare of one little girl. Unsure of what to do they started to back around the circle in an attempt to put as much distance as possible between them. Till one of the older ones remembered his arrogance.

"We are highly trained mages of this dark order, she is but one little monk in pink. Why are we cowering?"

"Z" gave a predatory smirk as she turned her glare to the mage that had spoken.

"I'm ready when ever you are grandpa."

Time slowed as the grand mage wound up to unleash a magic spell on her. She didn't know yet what spell, but she started to brace herself. "Z" had watched her father and Xavier both deflect spells before with their bare hands. She figured it had to be how they were manipulating their chakra.

Fire leapt from the mages fingers, curling about in the air making a large ball of flame. "Z" watched as the fire-ball flew at her. Taking a second "Z" concentrated her energies to her hands and braced herself. Time speed up and the fire-ball came screaming in her direction. "Z" used both of her hands and using her palms she slapped it aside, redirected it at another mage. The lesser mage had no chance, and the fire ball consumed him. Six down, fourteen to go.

"Z" rushed the elder mage, a fist balled up ready to dispatch death to the arrogant old man before her. Very wisely he quickly retreated behind his nearest pupil, shoving the poor soul in front of "Z" as he did so.

"Z's" fist connected with the unfortunate acolytes face, snapping it about an entire 180 degrees. The next acolyte in line thought he would be slick an lashed out at her with his staff. The staff emitted a few sparks of magic as it sailed through the air.

"Z" caught the wild swing on her forearm. With a quick flick of her wrist she had the staff in hand. "Z" gave the staff a quick snap kick to the staff, breaking it in two. "Z" stepped in and used her half of the staff to club the mage up along side his head, caving in his skull.

The little hairs on her neck started to stand on end. In one fluid motion "Z" spun around and hurled her half of the staff right in to the open mouth of a chanting acolyte. The broken end of the staff entered the acolytes mouth with such force it stuck out the back of her head.

"Z" leapt at the next mage and wrapped her legs around his head. Giving a quick jerk of her body "Z" snapped the guys neck and took him down. Only to come face to face with the grand mages ignited staff. A wicked sneer was spread across his wrinkled old face.

A blur flashed between them, and Mr. Masters was finally in the room. "Z" didn't notice till the end of the Mages staff popped off, as did his head still grinning its wicked grin. Only then did "Z" notice Eric and the thin line of blood on one of the blades that made up his swallow.

Eric Masters ignored his former student and the disheveled man in the circle of candles as he faced the ten remaining mages. He debated for a second granting the pathetic humans mercy, however this time was well before he was a God, so his God name would mean nothing to them. So Eric Masters, the lord God Odin, Extended his hand straight out in front of himself and un leashed a wicked lightening spell the arced from the center of one mages chest to the center of the next until all ten were dead.

"Hurry up and collect your boyfriend Zella. Feed and heal him as well. We are going to have to fight our way out."

"Z" gave Eric a dirty questioning glare.

"He is not my boy friend, he is just a friend. And why are we going to have to fight our way out. Just use your God powers to put him in our time with us when we wake up."

"Sure he isn't Zella. And it isn't that simple. Not any more at least."

Again "Z" gave Eric a questioning look.

"The entire tower knows we are here now and are suppressing my God powers, what little remained I should say."

"What do you mean Mr. Masters?"

"I'm not exactly a God in this time line, so I didn't posses all of my God powers. And what little remained are now being suppressed. Now collect your boy friend so we can get back to what we do best."

"Z" shook her head as she entered the ring of candles to where Kyoto was still standing in shocked silence staring at the shriveled corpse on the end of his sword.

"I didn't know the sword could do that." Kyoto said not looking at "Z"

"It is a cursed demonic blade. Nothing it does will surprise me." "Z" responded kicking the corpse off the blade.

"Come on Ky we need to go, I'll pay for your therapy when we get back to my time."

""Z" I can not leave this circle yet. The trial is not over, no matter how many members of my order you kill."

Eric heaved a deep sigh of impatience and hurled his Swallow. "Z" and Kyoto watched as the twin bladed lance spun around the room in a wide arc and returned to Eric's outstretched hand. As with the mages head and staff there was a few seconds delay and thanas one the thin necks of the stands holding the twenty candles at chest level bisected and fell to the ground, where they sputtered and died.

"Can we please go now, I can destroy the rest of your belief structure latter. I really don't like feeling this powerless, nor do I care for this time period." Eric said turning to leave.

Kyoto had no choice but to follow "Z" and her strange companion.

The cave of the Dragon Trials

Drake didn't know how long he had been out. All he knew was that when he woke up it was to the feeling of his own skin searing. While he slept Tobias had done his work and painted the intricate glyphs and runes on to his body. The string of runes followed the curve of his collar-bone up over his shoulders and around his back to the meet between his shoulder blades. Just bellow his collar-bone, about upper mid chest a bigger rune representing Bahamut had also seared its self into his flesh.

"You are lucky young Dragoon. You have already got the Dragon King on your side. Now all you have to do is figure out how to unlock "Spirit Surge" and combine your power with the Dragon Kings own."

Drake paid the man no attention as he looked at his burned flesh in the mans mirror. He didn't let his mind dwell on how much it hurt, he knew he was about to face much worst.

"Drake time is of the essence, you must choose one of these tunnels, they will lead you to one of the dragons. Once you defeat the dragon with in you must come back here. I am allowed to heal you only once between each dragon, but that is the only rest you are allowed by the rules of the trial. Each battle will last as long as it must, but your breaks between are limited to ten minutes."

Drake did look at the man now.

"That's not very long."

"This is a trial Drake, be happy your getting even that. You are given enough time between fights to heal and that is it."

Drake heaved a deep sigh and grabbed his spear from where it had been leaned against the wall. Slowly Drake approached the three tunnels and peered into each one of them. Each one was just as dark and fowl smelling as the next.

"I don't suppose you can tell me which dragon waits in each tunnel can you?"

"I am not allowed to, no."

Drake heaved a deep sigh. "Any advice?"

"Trust your spear, trust your training, trust your instincts. Do not trust the dragons. They are your enemies. They will lie to you, they will deceive you, they do not want to serve you. Only when they bow their head to you and give you their spirit is the fight done, not a moment before. After that they are yours until the day you die."

Drake just nodded his head as he continued to gaze down the tunnels. Finally he made his choice and entered the left tunnel. As he did a stone slab fell into place over the entrance, he was committed to this dragon now.

A low rumbling filled the tunnel as he continued down it. He could have sworn it sounded like laughter. Cautiously Drake continued forward ready for anything that might come his way. Except for what did. As Drake rounded a bend he was hit with the smells of the most delectable meal he had ever had the pleasure of smelling. Rounding another bend Drake entered a very large cave that was packed floor to ceiling with treasures of unimaginable wealth.

Sitting in the middle of the untold wealth was a banquet table, heaped full of food from every corner of Gaia. Steaming piles of meats, sweating bowls of fruit, over flowing bottles of liquor. There was enough food to feed a Garden. But there was only one occupant at the table. Sitting right dead center of table was a very fat dragoon dressed in the most lavish robes Drake had ever seen. Garish jewelry adorn every finger, and gold chains cascaded around his massive neck each one terminating in a large jewels.

"Ah a visitor. Come young Dragoon, join me in this feast."

"You must be Fafnir, the Dragon god of greed." Drake said with a slight bow, ignoring the offered chair and food.

The Dragon let out a ground shaking laugh, the folds of his flesh rolling like waves down his fat body. His continued laughter soon had his gold chains bouncing, and even got the table to shake.

"You amuse me young Dragoon, however did you come to that conclusion?"

Drake watched as the corpulent Dragoon before him went back to stuffing his fat face.

"You have more gold and treasure than most countries I've been too." Drake said gesturing to the towering piles of gold, and treasure.

"There is more food at your table than I have ever seen at any banquette, and you're the only one sitting at your table eating." Drake continued with a broad sweeping gesture.

"Do I not deserve these riches and these morsels? For far too long the world has ignored me to the point of forgetting me. These trinkets used to be brought to me as offerings, now I must take them." Fafnir said, his anger raising with each word.

"I came to fight a Dragon, a high and mighty Dragon. And All I have found is whining bitch with entitlement issues."

With a bellow Fafnir shot to his feet and over turned the massive table of food at Drake. Drake easily ducked under the flying table and watched as the morbidly obese Dragoon before him started shake and shift. He watched as his massive body convulsed and then contorted. Drake really started to get worried when he got bigger. A long fearsome snout shot from the Dragons face as it too elongated. When he finally stopped Drake couldn't believe how massive he was. Fafnir was easily three times the size of his mother. With one last mighty heave a massive pair of ancient leathery wings erupted from his back. Drake couldn't help but stand and stare.

"Am I not impressive, little Dragoon?"

"Not really, you're just bigger and uglier. You smell funny too."

With another great bellow Fafnir quickly swung his backside around and brought his tail crashing down on the spot where Drake had stood. Drake barely dove out-of-the-way, coming up ready to fight. Fafnir was already in motion and swinging his massive paw at Drake. Drake was momentarily dazzled as he jumped over the swinging appendage. Glimmering razor-sharp claws and an arm covered in gold, silver and platinum scales flashed beneath him. His landing was a little awkward, and barely rolled out-of-the-way of Fafnir's breath weapon.

"Is that all you have Dragoon? Big talk and fancy avoiding maneuvers?"

Drake quickly looked at where he had been when the breath weapon had gone off. He couldn't identify the type it had been but he watched as a pile of gold slowly melted into a smoking puddle.

Fafnir charged in swinging again and once again Drake dove out-of-the-way. This time how ever as he evaded the incoming attack Drake spun and drove his spear in to the Great Wyrm's arms. Fafnir let out a bellow of pain and reared back tossing Drake into the air as he did so.

Drake righted himself in mid-flight, pulling his spear from Fafnirs arm. Quickly he reached back and loosed his spear again. The spear embedded itself deep into Fafnir's shoulder. Fafnir once again gave an unintelligible bellow of pain and anger as he spun around and pulled Drake right out of the sky.

Drake hit the ground hard and rolled. Good thing too because Fafnir's mighty paw came crashing down and lightly grazed his left shoulder. Drake rolled to his feet and dove behind a large pile of coins feeling week.

"Feel that Dragoon that is my power, to sap the strength and any shielding spells of my opponents. Can you feel the drain. Feel the strength leave your arm where my claw tore your flesh."

The problem was that Drake could feel exactly what Fafnir was talking about. His arm felt week, and he could hardly lift it. Now he really needed to stall to see if he could get feeling back into his arm at all. As he sat there breathing heavily Drake had a sudden feeling of impending doom.

"Come out, Come out where ever you are little Dragoon."

Drakes heart was pounding in his throat. He needed to come up with something really fast or he was going to die. Drake was just starting to get back the feeling in his arm when he heard something heavy swinging through the air. On instinct Drake dove forward as the pile of gold he had hidden behind erupted from the force of Fafnir's arm hitting it. Drake twisted around in mid dive and hurled his spear once more. He watched as the spear embedded its self in to one of the many fatty folds that made up Fafnir's chin.

Fafnir once again reared back dragging Drake with him. Takeing and opportunity Drake righted him self as he was sailing over Fafnir's open maw. Drake's wings flared, his lungs filled, and dragons fire erupted from his mouth as he exhailed. Molten fire rained down in to the Great Dragons mouth. Drake watched in horror as the fearsome fire dwindled into nothing more than harmless smoke around Fafnirs mouth. With a sadistic chuckle Fafnir yanked the spear from his chin and used it to pull Drake out of the air.

"I was wondering how you were going to do any kind of Dragoon abilities since you lacked wings. Now I see, and I must admit it is quite amusing. Any other tricks you care to show me?"

Drake picked him self up off the ground and took a few deep breaths. Flaring his wings once again and reached back as far as he could. Putting every once of power he could muster and threw his spear again.

"Dragoon of the First Order Limit Break, STEAL RAIN!"

Drake watched as his spear separated into a hundred thousand energy spears and went screaming at Fafnir. Drake watched in horror as the energy spears lost momentum and disappeared in little puffs of smoke before they even could touch him. With a wicked sneer Fafnir pounced.

Drake was out of energy and couldn't move even if he had wanted to. With a vicious impact Drake was pinned to the ground by one of Fafnir's massive paws. Fafnir leaned in close to Drakes face and let his putrid breath wash over the helpless dragoon as he spoke.

"Can you feel it little Dragoon? That is your life draining away." Fafnir asked as he dug his claws into Drakes body.

He could feel his life slipping from him, and that didn't bother him as much as the fact that he had failed his mother, that he had failed his friends who were counting on him, and that he had failed Emmy. In a futile attempt to free himself Drake pushed against the paw that had him pinned. Fafnir just chuckled and pushed down harder, tearing flesh, muscle, and a scream from Drakes lungs.

Desperately Drake grabbed at one of the claws in his body and tried to pull it out. All he managed to do was get his hands covered in blood. His hand slipped and the claw dug deeper. Drakes scream echoed through out the cave. Drake's arm shot up, making one last final plea for survival. But as always his pleas went unanswered by the spirits.

"Mother! I've failed you."

The breath left Drakes lunges, and his out stretched arm fell across Fafnir's paw, his fingers dangling just above his own chest. Slowly a drop of blood traveled along Drake's dangling hand till it got to his finger tip. There it lingered for a few seconds before it fell to his chest. The drop of blood landed right on the glyph for Bahamut like a hammer blow.

"Drake, arise and claim my power for your own."

Fafnir was about to tear into Drakes lifeless body when it gave a sudden jerk. He would have thought nothing about it had it been a normal death spasm. Fafnir watched as Drakes olive-green skin darkened to a dark ash black. Perplexed he watched as the changes continued. He watched as Drakes green scales turned either glossy black, red, or gold. It took Drakes hair turning white for Fafnir to finally come to his senses. Fafnir had dismissed the marks on the boys chest as the unfinished "Spirit Surge" spell form. He had over looked Bahamut'sglyph in his arrogance.

All at once Fafnir was blown back off of Drake, and did not stop skidding till he hit one of his piles of gold. Fafnir watched in terror as Drake floated to his feet, and just sort of hovered a few inches off the ground. With a sound like rolling thunder Drakes ethereal wings sprouted. They were red and black and seemed more solid than they ever had before. Fafnir watched as Bahamut'senergy ring formed between Drakes shoulders.

"You think that scares me Dragoon!" Fafnir bellowed as he charged Drake once again.

Drake's eyes flared blood-red as they opened and fixed on Fafnir.

Somewhere Dark and Dream Like

Together they fought their way through the lower areas of the tower, There was no way that any of them could tell how tall the tower actually was from the inside. Every where they turned though they kept running into groups of mages of varying talents and ages.

"Can we try not to kill them all. We do need to find our way out." Eric said tossing another mage apprentice into a near by wall.

"I would love to Mr. Masters, but if we don't kill them they kill themselves."

Eric knew what she was saying was true he had tried to keep one alive this entire time too. But every time he thought he had knocked one out, he'd turn back around to find them dead.

"Well since your boy friend is useless in battle could he at least roll the bodies for something of use."

"URGH!" "Z" yelled as she put her fist through another mages head.

"He! Is Not! My Boy Friend! And how was I to know that he is no good with that damn sword."

"And you never thought to ask him, or spar with him?"

"No I was to busy trying to gain his trust! Keeping him fed and healed."

Kyotowas still amazed that "Z" and this Eric Masters could still be arguing and successfully fighting their way through the tower. How ever he knew that they were both right. He wasn't fighting and he had never told "Z" what he could do. He guessed it was time to change that.

Letting loose his most fearsome battle cry he shouldered his way past Eric and attacked the next wave of mages. He would admit that he was not as strong as "Z" or Eric, but he was far stronger physically than these mages, and his defenses were better.

With a mighty heave "Faust" swung in a mighty arc at the first of the mages cleanly bisecting the poor bastard where he stood. "Faust" drained the mage of his mana as it killed the mage, transferring the power to Kyoto. This in turn caused Kyoto's next swing to be faster and harder. Like with the previous mage "Faust" devoured her mana leaving be hind two pieces of human jerky.

Kyoto was now in a state of perpetual motion after only two swings. Spinning to avoid a spell, Kyoto activated one of his own. As he spun forward to attack the offending mage "Faust" was glowing an angry purple.

"Arcan Sword, PAIN!"

"Faust" cut a neat line through the mage killing him instantly. The mage behind him fell to her knees as the front of her robes fell neatly open to reveal an angry red welt across her chest. She didn't even notice that her chest was exposed as her hands flew to her now sightless eyes. A silent scream tore from her lunges as the arcane spell wracked her body with toxins. Kyoto felt no remorse as he stood over her silently writhing body and drove "Faust" between her breasts and into her heart. "Faust" Greedily devoured her mana.

"Okay so maybe he's not as big of a pansy as I thought." Eric said walking up to the exhausted looking Kyoto.

Kyoto could only manage a week smile as he stood there listening to "Z" and Eric laugh.

Cave of the Dragon Trials

Drake woke with a start. He was once again in Tobias's cave, though he did not remember how he got there. Hearing soft sounds coming from next to him he saw the ancient Dragoon sitting at his desk mixing something together.

"I'm sure you have questions Drake, most Dragoons do the first time they "Spirit Surge". But alas I don't not have all the answers, as I told you earlier each Dragoon achieves "Spirit Surge" differently."

Drake sat up and made to get out of the bed he was laying in, but Tobias was by his side forcing him down again.

"Not so fast Drake, you have a little time before you absolutely must go."

"How did I get back here, and how do you know I achieved "Spirit Surge"?" Drake asked in a dry and raspy voice.

Tobias gave him the cup he had been mixing things in just a second ago.

"Each Dragoon may achieve "Spirit Surge" differently, but inherently we all look the same when we do it. You yourself stumbled back into this cave still in the form of the Dragon King, Bahamutt. You also now bear the mark of Fafnir."

Drake looked down at the weird tattoo the old Dragoon had given him and sure enough right there next to Bahamutt's mark was a freshly burned in mark of Fafnir. Gently Drake examined the mark, the skin and scales around it were still sore.

"You must hurry on your way now Drake."

Drake gave the old man a funny look. "Why?"

"Because the rules state you can only be here long enough to heal. You are healed; you must continue your journey." Tobias said gesturing towards the last two cave openings.

Drake looked at the two remaining caves and chose to go down the cave. As before a stone slab fell into place committing Drake to the dragon that was at the end of the tunnel. Heaving a deep sigh Drake started forward. His steps were slow, he needed to buy time to think. Tobias had told him he had achieved Spirit Surge but couldn't tell him how.

"Think Drake, think. You are the smartest member of your team, this should be simple for you to figure out." Drake scolded himself.

"Do you always talk to yourself, Dragoon?"

Drake was temporarily confused.

"Fafnir?"

"You may control me now Dragoon but you can still show at least a little respect. It is Lord Fafnir to you."

"Oh great because I wasn't crazy enough to begin with I now have to listen to you?"

"If you want to live you will."

"I'm listening."

"I had you pinned to the ground and your bloody arm was draped over your chest when you achieved Spirit Surge."

Drake looked down at his chest. He noticed that there was blood on the glyph for Bahamut.

"So I need to place my blood on your glyph to activate the Surge."

"No, that was only to make the initial bond with me."

"Lord Bahamut!" Both Drake and Fafnir exclaimed at the same time.

"Now that you have made the initial contact with me all you need to do is focus your dragon magic on to your index and middle fingers and touch the glyph you want."

"Thank you Lord Bahamut."

"It requires a lot of energy to do, but you should do fine Drake."

Drake was going to say more but he came to the sudden realization that a soft light had formed at the end of the tunnel. He also became keenly aware of the sweet fragrance of perfumes and incense.

When Drake entered the cave finally the first thing he noticed was that the entire place was softly lit. He also noticed that where Fafnir had every form of riches he could imagine in his cave, this Dragon's cave was filled things of comfort. Everywhere he looked there were mattresses, pillows, and pads of every shape and size.

Making his way to the center of the cave Drake finally came to a clearing. Drake was momentarily stunned. Sitting in the middle of the clearing on a huge pillow was the single most beautiful female Dragoon he had ever seen. It took him a moment to realize that he was actually looking at the Pseudo Human form of a Dragon.

"Lady Seiryu, it is an honor. I am Drake Gryphonis, Dragoon Knight of the First Order." Drake said bowing deeply.

Seiryu from her sitting position dipped her head at Drake.

"It has been a long time since I have even gotten that little amount of respect from a visitor. For centuries Dragoons have only come to me for my power or my pleasurable company. So which one are you here for young Dragoon, My power or my pleasure."

"Alas I am here for your power my lady. Though you are without a doubt you're beauty is without compare, and I lack the words to accurately describe just how gorgeous you are."

Again Seiryu bowed her head.

"I can sense that you are speaking the truth. I can also sense that even though you are not of royal decent that you are a part of the royal family. You need to learn to close your mind young Dragoon, or even the safety of your girlfriend will be compromised."

Drake and Seiryu just stood there looking at each other. It was Seiryu that spoke first.

"I am not much of a fighter young Dragoon, so our contest will be very simple. Break my barrier and touch me. Only then shall you gain my power."

With a slight bow Drake took up his spear and moved towards Seiryu. He didn't make it very far before he came into contact with her barrier. It shimmered ever so slightly as he pressed against it. Drake extended a clawed finger at the barrier and ran it a good length testing its push. Reaching his arm back Drake hauled off and punched it.

It was just as he thought the barrier responded with the proper amount of force for any physical attack. If it was a slight push, it responded with a slight push. If it was a hard blow and responded with a hard counter push.

Drake leapt high into the air and loosed his ethereal wings. Sucking in a massive lunge full of air Drake unleashed a torrent of molten Dragon Breath on to the barrier. As with the physical attacks the Barrier shimmered in a cascade of shimmering lights, but did not break. Maybe he needed something stronger. Reaching back again Drake summoned all of his strength to his arm.

"Dragoon of the First Order Limit Break, Steal Raine!"

A hundred thousand wraith spears pelted Seiryu's barrier at terminal velocity. Each one did no damage, just caused more pretty colors to cascade over the barrier once again.

Through all of this Seiryu just sat there calmly meditating and maintaining the barrier. Drake walked about studying the Barrier, trying to think his way through it.

"Though I commend you for not wanting to resort to power all the time young Dragoon, this is the Dragon Trials. You are SUPOSSED to show off your power."

"Thanks Fafnir I would have never thought of that." Sarcasm dripping from every word.

"May I suggest you stop thinking about it then and Spirit Surge with me."

Drake searched deep inside of himself till he found source of his dragon power. Carefully he guided the power up to his hand and into his fingers. Drake placed his power laden index and middle finger over Fafnir's symbol. Drakes body convulsed and he damn near fell to his knees as a new power surged through his body.

His skin changed to an ashen green, his scales changed to shades of gold, silver, and platinum. His hair changed to an oily black mess. His ethereal wings looked torn and ratty. When it was all done he felt like a walking disease.

Drake in his new form walked right up to Seiryu's barrier and touched it. He felt it give a lot. It didn't break, but was weakened by his touch. He watched as Seiryu had to focus her concentration on to that spot to fix the damage.

With a smirk and a back flip Drake landed some distance away from the barrier and took a deep breath. When he unleashed his breath weapon this time instead of the molten fire breath he was used to a rancid acidic green vapor came forth and blasted the barrier. There was an explosion of cascading colors as it made contact, and the Barrier visibly wavered. Seiryu from her still seated position shot her arms out to fix the damage.

Drake leapt high over the barrier and filled his lunges to over filling with air. Once again he expelled a putrid green vapor onto the barrier. Seiryu shot to her feet and threw her arms into the air in an attempt to salvage the barrier. It did her no good though as the fog hit the Barrier it gave off one last hypnotic cascade of color and shattered like a stained glass window.

Seiryu stayed standing as she watched Drake land lightly on his feet and revert back to his normal size and form. He gave a visible shake as the last effects of bonding with Fafnir left his body. She could only imagine how dirty he felt right now. However as soon as Drake shook the effects of Fafnir his steely gaze locked on to Seiryu and with purpose he strode towards the dragoness.

With a seductive smile and a hint of lust in her eyes Seiryu approached Drake. Her pseudo Dragoon form was smaller than Drake was, but that didn't stop her from wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply. Drake for his part was somewhere between absolute focus and shocked disbelief.

When he did not return either embrace Seiryu switched tactics. Stepping back from Drake she reached behind her neck to the simple knot that was holding her robes in place. With a snap of her fingers the garment fell to the floor leaving her perfectly nude in front of the still silent Drake. Quite seductively she swayed back up to Drake.

"It has been a long time since any one has broken through my defenses. Forget your quest, forget your family and royal responsibilities, Forget your girlfriend, and stay with me Drake. Let me pleasure you, allow me to bare your eggs and grant you strong sons and beautiful daughters. Stay with me Drake until the end of times and beyond."

With her slow seductive journey complete she once again wrapped her arms around his thick neck and kissed him just as deeply as before. This time she went out of her way to make sure he felt her nakedness upon his own flesh. Still Drake did not respond.

"What is it Drake, do I not please you?"

Drake heaved a deep sigh and took Seiryu by the shoulders. But instead of pulling her closer like she thought he would, he gently pushed her away. Holding her at arm's length Drake looked down at his feet, however he noticed her most intimate parts were still visible. So he looked straight up instead taking several deep breaths before he spoke.

"Lady Seiryu, I am deeply honored you would even consider having someone as lowly as myself in your bedchambers, and you are without a doubt the single most gorgeous being I have ever had the pleasure of laying my world weary eyes upon.

However there is a war going on in the outside world that I must fight in. My Mother, brother, sister, girlfriend, and team mates are counting on me. I have made a vow to them that I will not break. More importantly I have made a vow to my girl that I will never break as well. You have a lot of amazing and stunning attributes, Lady Seiryu, but Emmy has my heart and I love her greatly."

Seiryu looked lovingly up into Drakes eyes as she took one of his hands into both of hers and gently kissed it.

"You have passed my trial Drake Gryphonis, Dragoon Knight of the First Order. You have touched me through my barriers, and touched me with both your hands and your unflinching loyalty to your Family, Friends, and Lover. I truly would have born your eggs Drake, you are a very powerful and beautiful man. My power is yours." Seiryu said with a quiver in her voice.

Once again Seiryu leaned in and kissed Drake, this time there was a great amount of passion in her deep kiss. Drake gently wrapped his arms around her delicate form and returned her kiss. With a swirling bright flash of light Seiryu joined Drake, and her glyph seared itself into Drakes chest.

Somewhere Dark and Dream Like

With an ear shattering explosion the heavily reinforced door blew inwards on the mages that thought that they were protected. Through the smoke and debris they could plainly see the pink demon and her two followers coming through the destroyed door.

"You know Mr. Masters, I would have thought that one of you would have been a gentlemen and opened the door for me. But I also thought that since we were in a time of magic that the magic here would be a lot stronger. I mean shit Alexandria had better magic than this."

The high mages finally came to their senses and attacked. They had finished off all the lower level novices and mages floors ago, these were professional Mages. So high level spells started exploding all around them. With a well-placed power laden kick "Z" sent a heavy stone table up on its end. All three of them took cover behind it.

"We really should have used our element of surprise a lot better." Eric said with just a touch of bitterness to his voice.

"I think I hurt my leg with that last one." "Z" responded examining her ankle and calf.

Eric Masters reached into his trench coat and produced a gauze patch and handed it to "Z". She great fully accepted the patch and slapped it on her leg between her calf and ankle. Relief flooded her injured leg.

"So what are we going to do about this Eric?" "Z" asked.

Eric Masters turned from "Z" and looked right at Kyoto.

"Time for your next lesson, son."

Kyoto swallowed hard and looked Eric straight in the eye.

"You know how "Faust" absorbed the mana from the mages you fell a few floors ago?"

Kyoto nodded his head that he understood.

"Well you can do the same thing with spells."

Kyoto needed no further encouragement as he ducked out from behind the table and swung his sword at the next incoming spell. "Faust" intersected the spell and with an audible sucking sound the spell vanished and fed power in to Kyoto. With another blinding ark "Faust" devoured another spell, and then another till Kyoto was once again a whirling blur of death and destruction.

Eric took the opportunity and leapt from the up turned table and directly at the closest Mage. With a whirl he bisected the Mage before he could utter the next line of his spell. There was an inherent problem with high Mages, they only had to speak their higher spells. They could easily cast their lower spells and mid-level spells without speaking them. Eric was forced to dive out-of-the-way of a pair of mid-level fire spells.

Rolling to his feet he responded in kind with a high level lightning spell showing these arrogant Mages how a god did things. The lightening arced between several Mages burning holes in their chests and subsequently blew out a wall as well. The Mages looked from Eric to the destroyed wall and back again before starting their attacks a new.

"Z" was just starting to get feeling back in her leg when all of a sudden a high Mage appeared before her out of thin air. "Z" didn't get a chance to react as the Mage stabbed a bony finger at her forehead. "Z's" eyes shot open as she heard the Mage speak.

"Stop, Sleep"

"Z" felt her body instantly freeze up and then her consciousness slipped from her. Silently she fell to the floor unconscious. With a wicked sneer the Mage grabbed her by the back of the neck and disappeared.

Eric and Kyoto continued to clean out the room. Everywhere they swung another mage fell. They continued to hack and slash their way through the room. By the time they were finished there were dead Mage bodies everywhere. They also noticed that "Z" hadn't come out from behind the table.

"Oh come on Zella that leg couldn't have hurt that much." Eric said with a touch of sarcasm to his voice.

However there was no immediate response. Eric found this to be very un "Z" like. She always had a quick-witted response right on the end of her tongue. Maybe the leg really did hurt though, she had worked really hard all day.

"If you need another heal patch I got more."

Still there was no response from the other side of the table. With looks of concern both men rushed around the table. "Z" was nowhere to be found. Quickly they examined each body trying to find at least one mage that was still alive. They of course had no such luck. Eric hit on an idea and went back to the table where he had last seen "Z" Sticking his swallow into the ground Eric raised his left hand out in front of him, palm out at a 90 degree angle from his body.

"What are you doing Eric Masters?"

"I am trying to find Zella. If a spell was used on her to remove her from this room I'll be able to feel it."

Kyoto watched as Eric moved his hand about as if he were feeling the thin air. Of course what he was really feeling for was mana residue. He found some right near the floor. Three powerful spells had been used one right after the other right here.

Without word Eric moved over to the hole he had blown in the wall and looked out of it. They were a very long ways up in the air, and if he was guessing right there was only one or two floors left above them. Once again Eric went back to feeling the air till it lead him to another wall in the room. Reaching out his other hand his swallow came back to him. Eric than reached forward and touched the wall. With a little push of raw mana the wall opened inward revealing a stone stair case that went up. Eric was about to take to the stairs when Kyoto stopped him.

"Who are you Eric Masters?"

Eric stopped on the stairs. Slowly he turned to face Kyoto and flashed a very wicked grin as he did so.

"Son, I am the Lord Odin. God of the Avatars."

Kyoto was dumb founded for all for a few seconds.

"Let's pretend for a second that I believe you, why are we battling through these mages? Why didn't we just leave?"

"Because I am not quite a God yet in this time period, and what god powers I had are being largely suppressed. So we have to destroy what is suppressing my powers before we can leave. I have a feeling that whatever it is at the top of this tower as well as Zella."

Kyoto was a bit surprised by the explanation but recovered quick enough.

"Lead on my Lord, there is work to be done."

"There is hope for you yet Kyoto." Eric replied with a smirk before taking to the stairs once more.

Cave of the Dragon Trials

Drake cautiously made his way down the final tunnel to face the last Dragon. The amount of care that Tobias showed to his fatigue gave Drake pause. He had taken no damage from Seiryu, he had just expended a lot of energy. But still Tobias had insisted that he take the full rest. His three dragons spirits were surprisingly quiet as well.

"You know any help at all would be helpful."

_"There is no way to prepare for Vrtra, young Dragoon."_Fafnir replied

Drake was going to ask what he meant but all at once he found himself in what had to easily be the biggest cave he had ever been in. Everywhere he looked there were weapons just lying about in massive piles. They seemed to be separated by time period.

In one pile he saw swords, spears, and shields. In another he saw old-fashioned muskets and cannons. Another held machine guns, and grenades. Everywhere he looked there means to kill. Drake couldn't help but wonder what kind of Dragon Vrtrawas. He didn't have long to wonder though as he rounded another pile of weapons and there he was.

Vrtra was without a doubt the biggest and most fearsome Dragon Drake had ever laid eyes on. He was standing there his Dragoon form and he easily towered over Bahamut. Vrtraeyed Drake with contempt.

"So you are the Dragoon that has taken out Lord Bahamut, Fafnir, and Lady Seiryu? The other Dragon Lords have gotten lazy in their prolonged slumber." Vrtra sneered

"Yes Lord Vrtra." Drake responded with a bow.

"Save your respect for someone who cares hatchling."

Drake did not let Vrtra's words phase him.

"I have come to do battle with you, to gain your powers for my upcoming battle."

"You and everyone else. At least you were smart enough to have obtained the other three before challenging me."

Vrtra threw his head back in a mighty roar as he spread his wings and dropped into a fighting stance. Drake leapt back out of Vrtra'sconsiderable reach and hurled his spear with dead aim accuracy. He was not surprised at all when Vrtraswatted his spear aside like it were an annoying insect.

Drake gave a pull on his retrieval cable hoping to gain at least a glancing blow on Vrtra, but to no avail. The spear bounced off of Vrtra's foot as if it were made from stone.

There was an impact to the air as Vrtra beat his wings and leapt forward to attack Drake. For his part Drake dove out-of-the-way avoiding the attack. The attack obliterated the pile of weapons that had been behind him sending broken fragments of metal everywhere.

Drake had hardly come out of his dive roll when he noticed that Vrtra had disappeared from sight. He didn't have long to wonder though as a shadow fell across him. Drake didn't even think, he just dove out of the way as Vrtra came to a crash landing right where he had been a heartbeat ago. The impact of Vrtra hitting the ground caused it to quake and left a sizable crater in the floor.

Drake loosed his spear again as Vrtra was still recovering from his landing. He watched as it skidded off his cheek leaving the barest of scratches. Drake dodged again as Vrtra attacked and destroyed another stash of weapons. This time when Drake counter attacked it was the pile of weapons that got hit. Using Dragons breath he ignited the pile of explosives. The ensuing explosion was tremendous, and did nothing but anger Vrtra.

Drake used Vrtra's momentary lapse to spirit surge. Placing his fingertips over his heart Drake draw a line with his dragon power to Seiryu's glyph. His body changed to reflect those of Seiryu. Quickly he used her abilities to cast barriers around him. None too soon too as a massive paw swipe knocked Drake clear to the opposite side of the room.

Drake didn't take much damage, but it sure disoriented him. Drake got back up on his very wobbly feet. He almost didn't stay on his feet as he once again placed his fingers to his heart and drew the line of energy to Bahamut. His body jerked as he lost the attributes of Seiryu and once again took on the attributes of Bahamut.

Drake beat his own ethereal wings as he launched himself at Vrtra, knocking over a pile of weapons and leaving a crater of his own. As he sored towards Vrtra he couldn't help but wonder what the point of fighting Vrtra was. He already had unimaginable power in Bahamut, what exactly was Vrtra the dragon of.

The distance evaporated, and Drake laid into the Dragon god with everything he and Bahamut had to offer. Vrtra back peddled from the initial impact, and was driven further back by Drakes relentless assault. With a mighty drop-kick Drake sent Vrtra sailing back into a pile of munitions.

Drakes lunges were heaving as he surveyed what he had done. But nothing could have ready him for the shock he received. With a deep menacing chuckle Vrtra got back to his feet. With a sneer he wiped the barest trickle of blood from his chin.

"Very impressive little Dragoon. You have learned "Spirit Surge" rather well, and you have tenacity, I like that. But it is hardly enough to defeat me."

Without conscious thought Bahamut's energy ring appeared between Drakes wings and started to gather energy. With a mighty backflip Drake sored high over Vrtra.

"Wrath of the Dragon King, Mega Flare"

A massive gout of iridescent energy and fire left Drakes maw. When it hit the Vrtra it ignited into a burning pillar of likewise iridescent energy and Dragons fire. The ensuing explosion also detonated the ammunition behind him. With a heavy thud Drake landed.

"There is little time to waste Drake, you must listen to me very carefully. Vrtra will have taken damage from that, but he is the Dragon of great physical strength and fortitude, he will be very angry that you have damaged him so. You must now draw a line of energy from my glyph to Lady Seiryu's and combined our strengths together with yours." Bahamut told him in rushed words from deep within his head.

Drake didn't question the Dragon King. Quickly Drake poured energy into his fingers and draw the line from Bahamut to Seiryu. The pain was almost unbearable as he doubled over. Both Dragons combined with in him and then dragged his own essence in as well. He felt as if his body, mind, and spirit were being dragged through a meat grinder.

Vrtraexploded from the debris and attacked Drake blindly. Drake took a few hits before his head cleared completely. Seiryu's protection was absolute, but at the moment Vrtra's attacks felt like those of a normal Dragon. Drake immediately started to counter attack.

Spinning away from a particularly vicious punch from Vrtra, Drake drove his spear through his wrist. Vrtra reared back in anger and pain pulling Drake with him. While in flight Drake twisted about like a cat and aimed his feet directly at Vrtra's left eye. Once again the Dragon god went down.

With a jerk Drake reclaimed his spear. Almost immediately Vrtra started to get back to his feet. Drake heaved a deep sigh, he just wasn't doing enough damage. A sudden thought hit him, and without thinking it through he acted on it.

_"No Drake don't! Your body won't be able to handle the strain!"_Lady Seiryu protested.

But it was too late, Drake drew a line of energy from Seiryu's glyph over to Fafnir's. At once Drake hit the ground doubled over in pain. The breath in his lunges left in a rush as he tried to scream. Inside his head he could hear Fafnir laughing at him. Outside of his head Vrtra had approached him and was laughing as well.

"Silly little Dragoon, biting off more than he can chew. What you have tried is a man's trick, when all you are is a little boy. Were this not the trials I would just leave you to suffer and maybe learn from your mistakes. But these are the trials, and you had only two choices. Defeat me or be killed by me."

With that Vrtra raised his fist high above his head before bringing it crashing down. At the last possible second Drake rolled to his feet and jumped. Bahamut's strength combined with Fafnir's venom allowed Drakes claws to tear through Virtra's flesh. As he rose into the air Drakes claws tore the full length of Virtra's arm.

Vrtrareeled back hold his arm. He watched as Drake came to a soft landing and just floated there. Vrtrawas in shock and awe of what he saw. Drake's scales had attribute of all three of the Dragons he possessed, his hair too flowed in three different colors. Drake was also sporting three separate sets of wings, they were keeping him hovering in the air.

"How is this possible!? The drain alone should have killed you!? Yet you live! How!?"

Drake did not answer in words. Instead when his mouth opened it was to unleash the noxious poison of Fafnir's breathe weapon. Vrtraspit and sputtered as he tried to get out of the cloud sapping venom, but Drake was already there.

With a blinding lunge Drake plunged his Claws into Vrtra's thigh muscles. His venom laced claws immediately stole away Vrtra's leg strength. Virtra came crashing to a knee, his panic growing. Wildly he swung with his good arm, only to have Drake catch it and plunge his claws in to his bicep. Now both arms useless, and only one good leg Virtra looked on Drake in horror. He was about to be beaten by this child who wasn't even a full dragoon. His panic only grew as Drake removed his other leg from play. Now on his hands and knees before Drake the Dragon lord was beaten. Drake released the "Spirit Surge" and visibly sank himself.

"I have beaten you, Lord Vrtra. Submit to me."

"NEVER!"

With all of his might Vrtra swung his useless arm at Drake. However Drake wasn't there. Looking up Vrtra found him. Flaring his own wings Drake wound up.

"Dragoon of the First Order Limit Break, Steal Rain!"

One spear left Drakes hand, one hundred thousand wraith spears impaled the prone Dragon god. With one last hit Drake himself drove his spear through the head of Vrtra. Vrtra thrashed about on the ground, and then moved no more. Standing over Vrtra Drake claimed victory. Vrtra was now his as his symbol burned into his chest.

Slowly Drake started to walk away from the cave of his last trial. All at once his fatigue caught up with him and he dropped where he was, out cold as he hit the floor.

Somewhere Dark and Dream like

Kyoto burst through the door that stood before him and was instantly greeted by a sight he had only heard rumors of. He now stood in the layer of the Grand mage. Everywhere there were signs of the arcane. Tomes of every shape, size and language littered every available space.

Together Eric and Kyoto walked through the antechamber and into the Grand Masters lab. The area was massive, and they both could only guess what actually guess as to what took place here. What really caught their attention though was a large crystal in the middle of the room, and tied to the crystal was "Z".

"I have been waiting for you."

Eric and Kyoto looked to the owner of the voice. Neither one was surprised to see that the owner was a gnarled old man. He looked wicked and cruel, his withered appearance lending heavily to it.

"Give us back our friend, return my powers, and I promise that we will leave you in peace." Eric said with a flat and even tone.

"Now why would I do something so foolish, Lord Odin?" The mage replied with a wicked sneer.

"That was your only offer."

The mage was so intent on Eric that he hadn't noticed Kyoto coming flying at him. He barely got out-of-the-way of "Faust" as it came crashing into the ground where he had stood. The mage silently hurled a "Demi" spell at the Arcane Knight. Greedily "Faust" devoured the spell and gave its energy to Kyoto.

"Arcane Sword, Pain!"

"Faust" whistled through the air narrowly missing the Grand Master. The shelf behind him was not so lucky. While Kyoto had the Grand Mage distracted Eric made his way to the crystal to free "Z". The closer he got to the crystal the weaker he became. Till he wasn't able to get any closer.

"Kyoto switch with me."

Kyoto instantly retreated as Eric flew in. With a whirl he sent the top half of his swallow at the Mages head and the lower half at his midsection. Somehow he dodged both swings. He was awfully spry for such an old guy. Silently he sent a Fire Spell flying at Eric. Eric quickly batted the spell back at the Mage. The Grand Mage dispelled the Fire Spell before it got near him.

"Where are all your God powers. You seem a little less than I was expecting."

Eric watched as the Mage seemed to gravitate closer to the crystal. Eric never took his eyes off the old man. Something was amiss here. Again the Mage moved towards the crystal. Eric took up a defensive stance not knowing what to expect.

The Mage wound up and loosed another spell at Eric. Eric felt a little drain as the Mage casted the spell. With a little effort he reflected the spell again. Eric was confused as to why he felt so drained.

"I can see the question's in your eyes Odin. Why am I so weak, why is he so fast. All of it is irrelevant."

Eric watched as he took another step towards the crystal. It hit him then, and he felt stupid for not noticing sooner. The Grand Mage was suppressing and stealing his powers.

"Kyoto, destroy the crystal!"

Kyoto had just gotten done removing "Z" from said crystal when Eric had yelled out his order to destroy it. The panic in his voice made him hurriedly set "Z" to the ground and turn back to the crystal. Winding up he swung "Faust" at the crystal. Both the sword and the crystal gave a shriek of protest as they tried to absorb each other.

Kyoto grabbed his head, Eric and the Grand Mage fell to their knees. Kyoto took another swing at the crystal. Once again as sword met crystal a terrible shriek filled the chamber. Again Kyoto grabbed his head, Eric and the Mage moaned where they were still on the floor.

Something warm hit his hand. Looking down he noticed blood on his hand. As he watched more blood hit his hand. Whipping his nose he got another handful of blood. Kyoto didn't have time to think of it though, Odin had given him an order.

Getting back to his feet he swung again. The pain was so excruciating that he dropped "Faust", doubled over and wretched. He was so tired, so week, all he wanted to do was rest. Yes rest, what a splendid idea, just curl up in front of the hearth, maybe with "Z", and rest. But he couldn't, he needed to destroy this crystal. Shaky fingers wrapped around the rough leather binding that covered the handle of "Faust".

With great effort Kyoto picked up his sword and leveled it at the crystal. With a full-throated bellow of rage Kyoto drove "Faust" hilt deep into the crystal. The reaction was instantaneous. An unearthly scream tore through the chamber reverberating off of every surface as the possessed blade and the crystal tried to absorb each other's power. Kyoto fell to his knees clutching his head as blood poured from his nostrils and ears.

It was at this point that blackness enveloped the crystal and the sword. Completely forgotten on the ground "Z" had healed herself while Kyoto had hacked away at the crystal. Now though her anger filled her as she hit the thing with Neo-Black-Death. She was unaffected by its ability to absorb magic, she wasn't a magical being.

"How are you not dying girls? Why hasn't the crystal absorbed your power?" The Grand mage gasped from the floor.

"Because, this thing is designed to absorb Manna, I don't use Manna, I use Chi."

With that "Z" gritted her teeth and poured more energy into her attack. The crystal shacked, and shuddered, it screamed in protest. So did the Grand Mage. The crystal blackened further as it lost its power, and cracks started to spider web up its sides. With one last exertion of chi the crystal shattered.

The Mages gripped his head in both hands seconds before it exploded in a bloody geyser. As his body hit the floor the entire tower began to rumble. With no master to hold it together its power started to consume it. Lose stones in the walls fell to the ground as the tremors intensified.

"Come on guys we need to go." "Z" said Helping Eric to his feet.

"Oh my, thank you Zella, I am feeling better already."

She wasn't listening though. Instead she was making her way to Kyoto.

"Come on Ky, time to get up and go."

However Kyoto did not respond. "Z" rushed over to him and started to shake him.

"Come on Ky enough playing around. The tower is collapsing we need to go."

Kyoto did not respond. "Z" hurriedly flipped him over and was shocked by all the blood that was surrounding him. In a panic "Z" started shaking him harder and calling his name repeatedly as tears streamed down her dirty face. She didn't stop either till she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"He is gone Zella, we need to go."

"No he's not, he just isn't responding." "Z" replied with a whimper.

Eric was about to protest, but all at once he saw his chest rise and fall. Quickly he felt for a pulse. It was there, but it was very week. Kyoto was in a coma. The tower gave another violent shudder, and Eric was forced to make a rash decision. Enveloping both young adults in his arms Eric Masters, the lord Odin, shifted them out of the tower, and back through time.

Winhill Garden Infirmary, Winhill

Rolling thunder made its way through the corridors of the Infirmary at the Winhill Garden. They had decided to leave their bodies their as they Dreamed walk in case something went wrong. So when "Z" and Eric woke up with one extra body between them it qualified as something going wrong to the staff. It was a justified reaction since the young man was indeed in a coma.

One team was assigned to him, while another checked on Eric and "Z". Thankfully Kyoto was not as bad as they originally had thought. His wounds were treated and he was started on a blood transfusion to replace what he had lost. Soon he was moved to his own room so that he could rest and recuperate while the life-giving blood slowly flowed back into his body. Eric and "Z kept a silent vigil over the fallen warrior. So tired were they that neither one noticed a black cloud form at the end of his bed, till a figure in dark and tattered robes stepped out of it. As soon as they noticed they were both on their feet. "Z" thought it was one of Xiedie's acolytes. Eric on the other hand knew who it was right away.

"What are you doing here?"

"Z" looked from the angered god to the god of Death.

"I have come for the boy Lord Odin, he is mine."

"Z" looked from Eric to the hooded figure, and finally to Kyoto.

"Who is that Mr. Masters?"

"Death, Hades, Faust, the Devil, he has so many names these days"

"He belongs to me Lord Odin, we have a contract."

Eric thought quickly. Those contracts were usually iron clad but there had to be something he could use. Then it hit him.

"No he isn't. He out lived the duration of the contract."

Death was momentarily stunned.

"Only on a technicality Lord Odin, he was transported to the future."

"Yes but technically he has indeed out lived the contract."

Without a word Death reached into his robes and withdrew "Faust". Gently he leaned it up against the wall. Reaching out once more he pointed a finger at Kyoto. Kyoto instantly drew in a deep breath and woke up.

"We shall see Lord Odin, we shall see."

With that Death sank back into his own darkness. Leaving the three of them to wonder what he had meant.

Wyvern Cliffs, Island Closet to Hell

With a heavy grating sound the boulder slid away from the entrance to the Dragon trials. With equally heavy steps Drake emerged from the mouth of the cave and fell to his knees. Tobias had only healed him enough so that he could get this far. After that the old Dragoon had ushered him out of his cave.

Now here he was, exhausted and hurt. All he wanted was a nice long bath, a decent meal, and a good week's sleep. All at once he found himself in an embrace. For a second he couldn't tell if it was his sister or his girlfriend. At the moment it didn't really matter to him. Whoever it was felt nice and was healing him.

"Come on Drake, on your feet, your mother wanted to see you as soon as you were finished"

Drake nodded his head and allowed himself to be helped to his feet. When he looked to see who was supporting him it was Emmy that he saw. Together they made their way to the Lady Scarlet's personal cave. Drake did his best to look presentable for his mother.

As he entered the cave he was amazed to see how terrible she looked. How long has he been gone? He quietly leaned over and asked Emmy that very question. He was surprised to hear he had only been gone about a day. He was not surprised to see his brother and sister keeping vigil over her either.

"How is she doing Gregory?" Drake asked as he entered.

"She was waiting for you Drake." Gregory responded clasping arms with his younger brother.

"Mother Drake has returned." Leslie whispered to the ancient Ruby Dragon.

The Lady Scarlet opened her cloudy eyes and swiveled her head to glance at her youngest son. A broad smile spread across the old dragons face.

"I knew you would survive the trials. Come closer Drake so I may see you."

Drake instantly complied and found the strength to walk right up to his mother. He stood tall and proud in front of her not letting even the slightest bit of weakness show.

"My Drake, my brave, brave little boy. You have done your mother proud."

"The trial is incomplete though mother, I am still missing the Dragon of life."

No sooner were the words from his mouth when a massive bolt of lightning erupted in the cave. From the light stepped Eric Masters who strode right up to Scarlet. Resting a hand lovingly on her snout He beamed up at her.

"Are you ready my dearest friend?" Eric asked.

"I have been ready for you for over four thousand years Lord Odin."

With that Scarlet turned her gaze back to Drake.

"Drake I have one last thing to bestow upon you. You will not be missing the Dragon of Life because The Lord Odin has appointed a new Dragon Lord."

Every eye turned to the human Form of the thunder God. Eric gave a shy smile.

"What my oldest and dearest friend is trying to tell you Drake is that Very shortly your trials will end."

With that said Scarlet gave one last shuddering breath and sank further to the ground. For a few brief moments every one stood in stunned silence. Leslie was the first to accept what had just happened and leaned her head against her mothers, crying as silently as she could. Gregory stood stone still but even he was crying at the loss of his mother. Drake silently strode forward and embraced his mother's lifeless body. His own tears falling on her snout.

"You guys might want to step back." Eric said with a sly grin.

Every one gave him a funny look just as Scarlet's body gave a heave and floated into the air. Her children watched in stunned silence as her body turned Ghost like and started to shed year's right before their eyes. After a little time a much younger Scarlet floated before them. As she floated to the ground her body became solid once again.

Eric Masters strode forward to stand before the much younger Dragon. With another brilliant flash Eric Masters shifted into a smaller version of his true form, decked out in his traditional armor and everything. He still towered above the Dragoons present. Kneeling down He took the dragon's head in his hands and kissed her like a long-lost lover.

"Wake up my most faithful servant, and rejoin the world as one of my hand chosen."

Like waking form a deep sleep Scarlet opened her strikingly emerald eyes and gazed at her children and the only man she had ever loved. Slowly she got to her feet and bowed deeply to the Lord Odin.

"Arise Scarlet of the Wyvern Cliffs, and claim your place at my side."

The Lady Scarlet stood back up and let her gaze roam over her children till it came to Drake. A proud smile spread across her face.

"My son, arise."

Drake got back to his feet and just gawked at his mother's majesty.

"Drake I have accepted the Lord Odin's offer to be the new Dragon of Life. To you I bestow my powers and you trials are now complete."

The lady Scarlet gave a bright flash and disappeared. With a searing burn the fifth and final Dragon glyph burned into Drake's chest. Drake didn't flinch or cry out as his mother joined the Dragon Gods he already controlled.

Silently Drake stood for a moment in reverence of his mother and her gift to him. Slowly he dropped to his knees, his hands coming to his mother's Glyph.

"Thank you mother, you have placed your trust in me and I swear I will not fail you."

Gregory and Leslie joined their brother in rejoicing their mother's life.